Darrell, a three-time Cup champion and member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, had gall bladder surgery Thursday, Fox Sports lead announcer Mike Joy said on the air Friday. The 67-year-old Waltrip had hoped to make the race Saturday night but tweeted Saturday morning he would not make it.

“Good Morning America, twitterville, race fans, looks like this is the only cars I'm going to see today, may have to break out of this joint!”

Michael Waltrip is a member of the Fox broadcast team, typically working as an analyst in the prerace show and for occasional commentary during races.